Teresa Drulia, Ph.D.

Research Lab

OVERVIEW

Welcome to the Laboratory of Applied Swallowing Research (LASR) at Texas Christian University (TCU). The lab is directed by Dr. Teresa Drulia. LASR supports graduate and undergraduate student learning and research in the area of swallowing. We are a part of the Davies School of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Miller Speech and Hearing Clinic at TCU.

What is the research focus of LASR?

LASR investigates mechanisms of healthy swallowing and impaired physiology of swallowing, clinically known as dysphagia. Our principal aim is to contribute foundational knowledge in swallowing that translates into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. This lab is fully equipped with instrumentation to analyze swallowing efficiency and coordination.

Our areas of research include:

Coordination of breathing and swallowing in respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Pharyngeal pressure in swallowing (manometry)

Dosing and efficacy of swallowing treatment

How does LASR support development of speech-language pathology clinicians?

LASR faculty provide classroom instruction in evidence-based evaluation and treatment of individuals experiencing difficulty with swallowing. Our faculty provide hands-on learning opportunities for students to enhance their classroom instruction, such as fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and manometry.

If you would like to know more about dysphagia, the role of a speech-language pathologist in evaluation and treatment of dysphagia, or seek additional resources, please visit our outreach page.

Texas Christian University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, masters, doctoral degrees.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Texas Christian University.